The writer retains all rights to this story. Copying all or parts of this story is a violation of those rights, Violators of those rights will be prosecuted.
Pangea
Between Two Worlds
Chapter 6
Oak woke four hours before dusk. Nick was feeding less than he had in the previous feedings. He was weaning faster than Oak thought he would be. At this current rate Nick should be weaned by the end of the month. Oak would miss the closeness of the bonding involved, but the process of weening a human vampire should take at least eighteen months. The quickest he had ever weened a new vampire was a non-human one and that was six months. Less than 3 months was for a human one was impossible. He had to find out more about Nick. Even way though he won't miss the constant need to sleep it took for him to recover half his strength back.
Showered shaved and dressed, he entered the Command Center. He looked over the reports handed to him. With all the PHG crossing over he had to get more housing available. For now, he was housing them in various locations around the city, but it will not be effective if all hell breaks loose. Then there was informing the federal government of the problems ahead. He had to set up a meeting with the president-elect if it was not John McCain. It looked like it will not be by recent polls.
He instructed Rolf to find them a large building near center city and to check the loyalties of our representative in Washington. He went over different strategies with Commander Kardin. They came up with four different scenarios, for each defensive and offensive situation. Oak was satisfied, but sadly when it came to actual battles, the plans went out the window. Like every war or battle, you cannot predict what your enemy will do. Oak had learned over thousands of wars and battles that battle plans must be adaptable.
Oak excused himself and left the command center. He went up to the study and saw Nick heading towards him smiling. Oak nodded and excused himself in a tone that said do not follow. He went back down to the command center He motioned for Rolf and Kardin to follow him to the office. He sat on the metal desk and waited for them to enter and close the door.
"Nick should be weaned in a month maybe less." He informed them. Kardin and Rolf both stared at him with puzzled looks.
"Isn't that a little fast sire?" Kardin asked.
"It's impossible for a human and maybe even for most non-humans." Rolf added.
"Exactly why I want you to find about more about him and as much of his ancestry as you can find out."
"I'll have a CT research him and his ancestry." Kardin replied.
"If I can get a DNA sample, I can have it tested." Rolf volunteered.
"Can you get clear DNA form a vampire and not that of his last victim?" Kardin asked.
"It would be hard if we didn't know who he last fed off of. However, since he has fed off of his majesty, we just need a sample from both so we can weed out his majesty's DNA."
Oak nodded as he grabbed a shot glass then pulled out a penknife and stabbed himself in the hand leaving it in as his blood dripped in the glass and handed it to Rolf.
"Get results as fast as you can." He said as he pulled the knife out of his hand.
Nodding they both left the room Oak followed them then turned let while they went right. He walked down the hall doors lined both sides at the end of the hall he stopped at the wall. He pushed the wall in afoot. He then slid that portion to the left into the wall. He stepped in and went to the medallion on the floor and said the words needed to unlock the portal. It was the Pangean version of an emergency exit. The only danger was if it was opened into Yomi. This might threaten the treaty with the Dark queens, but it was a chance he had to take. He read the gates last hundred openings. All from Atlantis. Dating from ten years ago.
Satisfied he took in the one thing that was overlooked he returned to the Command Center. He saw Kardin leaning against a counter sipping a mug of coffee. He poured himself a mug and took a sip. "Pangean coffee! You are holding out on me old man."
"Not at all your highness, it just came in from home in the last cross over."
"How many PHG's came over?"
"A whole battalion."
"That puts us at what?"
"It was a contingent. We are at 190 PGN's now."
"Anything from the lupine and Ambrogian territories?"
"Not yet my lord but there is a message from Galen for you." Kardin said and handed Oak the message with a royal seal.
"Let's go somewhere private." He said to Kardin and nodded to Nick. Kardin and Oak went to a small office followed by Nick. Oak sat in a chair and opened the message written in code.
It read:
I was able to get a good strong quarter horse and get all the necessary supplies and equipment at a reasonable price thanks to Lady Ellora. There was, however, an incident with Banker Grand. He not only did he try to refuse to give me the proper amount needed to make the purchases and leaving me enough for refurbishing supplies and emergencies that I am sure will arise, he also referred to your finances as his own.
Banker Grandy also said some unkind references toward Lady Ellora's being, virtue and morals. I am afraid I allowed my temper and outrage at these unkind words to get the better of me. I dangled the impudent little man by the ankle over the balcony until he apologized. Though he did so I am not sure he will not pursue further actions against her ladyship.
With all purchases made and adequate finances, I will be leaving tomorrow morning at dawn. I estimate it will take me approximately three to four weeks to get the Capital. Hopefullung in time for my return to the academy.
On a short note, I have met Thorga and she has taken it on herself to be my protector while in Hampton by the Sea. She said I am of Oak. I take this meaning she could smell your scent on me.
Your humble servant
Galen son of Kardin.
Kardin watched Oak's brows furrow, then raise, then saw a smile and heard him chuckle. Seeing Karden's curious expression he handed him the message.
"He is his father's son it seems." Kraden smirked after reading the message.
"Yes and it seems Galen is coming of age soon," Oak surmised.
"Yes, he is. His sixteenth birthday will be in two weeks. Eventually, he will have to be told, your highness. According to Fallbrook's Headmaster, there have been a few incidences."
"Does the headmaster suspect anything?"
"No sire but Galen should be told before something happens that does bring suspicion."
"I believe you're right. He does seem to have developed your temper by association." Oak laughed.
"I beg the difference sire. I believe it was you who threw a witch off the balcony when she turned your dog into a cat."
"I wasn't angry. I just don't think cats make as good companions as dogs. The only time they want attention is when they want something. Besides Trap was a good mouse hunter." Oak chuckled
Karin rolled his eyes. "What do you want to do about the leprechaun? "
"Order an Audit of all Pangean banks and for now monitor him."
Oak left Karden to carry on and went up back into the house. He sat in the study and picked up one of the professors' textbooks on the Etruscan civilization sat down in the worn leather chair and started reading it. A few minutes later Nick came into the room and sat down on the ottoman in front of him and stared at him. Oak ignored him until he was done the chapter. Once done he looked at Nick
"This man is a complete idiot." He said tossing the book on the desk.
"Then why don't you correct him?" Nick asked.
"Because as long as they believe idiots like this guys bullshit humanity doesn't know about things like your and mine's existence."
"Why do we have to hide though."
"Look at this world? People hate because of color, religion, sexuality, and much more. The truth of it all is they fear anyone or anything different from themselves and fear brings on hate. How do you think they would feel about someone who needs human blood to live, a person that changes into a wolf or someone that has been alive since before recorder time."
Nick imagined the Frankenstein movie where the villagers chased the monster with torches and pitchforks. "Shit."
"Yeah shit. Now, what is on your mind?"
"Why did Rolf want a sample of my DNA? Is something wrong with me?"
"Fucking Rolf."
"Why?" Nick asked again.
Taking a deep breath Oak explained that he was weening to fast for a normal newborn vampire and they trying to find out why.
"I can slow down really." Nick pleaded.
"Nick nothing is wrong with you weening fast. We just want to know why your weening ten times faster than a human-vampire should. Even faster than most non-humans do."
Nick jumped from his seat and hugged Oak. "Thanks for telling me Rolf just said to give him skin and blood samples."
"Well, I guess Rolf isn't the best at giving explanations but I believe he has the best intentions." Oak hypothesized.
"Now that the cat's out of the bag. What can you tell me about your parents?"
Nick sat back down on the ottoman. I was only eight when they died so my memory of them isn't the best but I remember that Mother was beautiful with long light brown hair and she had these light blue eyes with silvery specks in them. My father I remember to be blonde-haired and muscular. I remember watching him work out in the basement.."
"Do you remember when they died?"
"Yeah on my eighth birthday. Someone came into the house and shot them. I hid under the bed. They said it was a robbery gone wrong."
"Did they find who it was that killed them?"
Nick sniffed and wiped a tear. "No. Is it okay if I go up t6o bed early?"
Oak leaned forward and put a hand on his shoulder. "Go ahead but if you need to talk just call from here: Oak said tapping Nick's forehead.
Oak watched as Nick left the study. He thought about what Nick told him of his parents. He thought about the descriptions he gave his mothers beauty could be explained as any beautiful woman as his father muscular build could be. It was his mother's eyes that intrigued him. There were only two beings that had those eyes. To the best of his knowledge one died out and the other none lived on earth.
By morning they found where the meeting place was going to be. The elders over the week had purchased various plane boat bus and train tickets along with renting many rental vehicles. The exact location was found. Drakenlager castle, on the Austrian and Switzerland borders. It was his home for centuries in this world. Before even Pangea was created. It was now used not only as his refuge but as a refuge for many non-humans. To use his castle as a place of a treasonous meeting was an insult not only to Pangean authority but a personal insult.
"What do you want to do sire, shift gates?" asked Kardin.
"No, that would alert them. If they are aware that we know where the meeting is even PHG's would have a hard time breaching the castle, add the fact that they will have vampire guards it will be sheer luck to be able to get through the first defenses of Drakenlager."
"Then we allow the meeting to occur sire? Is that wise?"
"No, it isn't but I am not going to stop it exactly. I am going to be there. We know how they enter and leave that means we know where they are coming from too."
"So how do we get you in there?" Kardin asked.
"Through the dragon tunnels."
"I know every inch of that castle sire even the hidden passages and caves around it. I never saw any tunnels especially one large enough for a dragon." Karden said with a skeptical look.
Oak laughed at the look Kardin gave him. "I designed and built that castle. No one knows all its secrets but me."
"I don't doubt they exist I am just surprised they do. I guess that explains a few things."
"Where does the ambassador to the Whitehouse's loyalties lie."
"He is loyal to the Pangea sire."
"Contact him and get some kind of government cover for myself and 24 of your best RPHG's"
"Yes, your highness," Karin said with a smile.
Pangea
Galen and Thunder galloped for a good hour before they slowed down to an easy trot. By noon the mile marker was thirty miles, so he pulled Thunder up by a small glade with a little stream. He pulled some dried beef out of the saddlebags and a small blanket then let him wander a bit. He sat on the ground and ate while he watched the horse chomp on some of the grass. When he was satisfied, he wandered over to the stream and drank. He laid back and stared at the sky. He slowly dozed off only to be woken by Thunder nudging with his nose.
"Sorry big guy. I must have dozed off." He looked at my watch. He had been asleep for twenty minutes.
Thunder stamped his hooves and nudged me again. "Okay big boy, I am moving, so relax." He grumbled as he stood up and stretched. Thunder pushed Galen again to urge him to move.
"Fuck Thunder what is it with you?" he growled as he swatted at a large blueish fly. Thunder stomped again.
Thunder huffed at him as he started swatting at more of the large flies. They were various colors and seemed to be dive-bombing him. It dawned on him what was happening. He grabbed the blanket and jumped on Thunder. The best he could do was lay across him like a dead man.
Thunder took off. Galen had a hard time not falling off. He grabbed Thunders's main and held on for dear life as Thunder jumped the wall and galloped at full speed down the road. The little damned Fairies kept up with us but after ten minutes they seemed to be satisfied that they had left and gave up pursuit.
"Thunder you can stop now. They are gone!" he yelled over the thunder of his hooves, but Thunder wasn't taking any chances and galloped for another five minutes before he slowed down and stopped. Galen tried to slide off his back but ended up falling on his butt. Thanks to the exhaust from holding on to Thunders main for over thirty minutes Thunder looked back at him and whinnied nodding his head up and down.
"You think that's funny huh?" Galen quipped as he sat on the road.
"He sure did. I know I did," said a voice.
Galen jumped to his feet and turned around and saw a small old woman leaning on the rail of a fence. She wore an old worn straw hat and her dress had seen better days. It was covered in dirt. Behind her was a small cottage with a roof that needed major repair. Thunder sorted towards her. "Don't ya know that's not any way to ride a horse?" she said between chuckles.
"I was in a bit of a rush back there." Galen informed her while he rubbed his sore rear end.
"Ah, you had a run-in with the fairies, did you?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Your horse isn't too bright then. Most horses can tell when they come about." Thunder stomped his feet as if in protest.
"Ma'am Thunder is very smart he woke me up and tried to get me to leave. I just didn't understand what he wanted." Galen defended his horse, a little peeved at the insult to his horse. Thunder started getting agitated. Galen jumped up on his back.
"Oh, then you're the stupid one." She chuckled again.
"You know I was taught to respect my elders but also was taught that respect has to earned. Good day Ma'am." Galen said harshly. Not wanting to suffer any more insults he kicked at Thunders sides and he took off.
"Oh, go on a child before I put a curse on you. Vile things men are!" she yelled. He heard her say more but couldn't make it out over the sound of Thunder's heavy gallop and the increasing distance.
"Well, Thunder I think we saved ourselves from another shit situation." He said as he leaned over the stallion's neck to give less wind resistance.
After another ten minutes, they slowed down to a trot then eventually a walk. They kept on at that pace until about an hour before dusk. Galen saw a farmhouse in the distance, thinking they might get some hospitality, He urged Thunder on a little but apparently, Thunder had the same idea and went into an easy gallop. When we reached the house, I smiled as I saw several young toddlers playing in the yard. I rode up to the gate and climbed off. I was glad to be off, too. My butt was beginning to feel bruised. I was about to call out to the children when I saw a woman come out of the house and a man step of the barn. They both looked to be in their mid-twenties.
Galen waited patiently and smiled until the man came close enough. "Where ya heading?" he yelled from about 10 yards away.
"To the Capital sir." Galen yelled back figuring honesty the best way to go for now.
"What's your business there?"
"I've never been there before. I just wanted to see it."
"Not no reason to be there. Not with a war coming in the other world. They be calling up more folks soon."
"Yes sir, all the more to see the Capital first." Galen said. Wondering how this man knew of possible war.
"Steger stop interrogating the man and invite him in," yelled the woman.
"Bring your horse to the barn. Fine horse like that needs to be inside it's gonna be storming tonight."
"Thank you, sir. I am Galen." He said offering his hand. He looked at it.
"Galen what?"
"Galen son of Coors, thinking that he would leave his father's name out and being a favorite beer, Coors just came out.
"Steger and the woman is Leda." He nodded, and I dropped my hand.
Galen led Thunder as they followed Steger to the barn. Though looking very well kept, the barn was a pretty much a patchwork of different types of materials. He pointed to a stall "He'll have to share with Tabby, she won't mind much."
Galen took off all of his tack and led Thunder to the stall that housed Tabby. Tabby had to be the ugliest horse He had ever seen. She looked like she was a crossbreed between a shire and curly and had the coloring of both breeds. Thunder looked at me and huffed as if saying "are you kidding me?" Galen smirked. Serves ya right for the stunt you pulled earlier Galen thought. Thunder looked at Galen and bumped him with his head. If horses could cry, he would have as he went into the stall.
Steger and Galen threw some hay into the stall and Thunder looked at it huffed and ate it slowly as if it was some poor horses hay. "That horse of yours seems a bit full of himself." Steger grumbled and walked out of the barn with a rake and shovel.
Galen shrugged to himself and closed the stall. Thunder gave another snort. He stuck his head over the top and looked at Galen as if say how could you do this to me.
"Sorry big guy. It's just one night. Besides if Steger is right, there is a storm coming. I am sure you'd rather be in here than out there." Galen cooed to him as he stroked his big head. He pulled back as if satisfied with his apology.
Galen walked out of the barn and didn't see Steger anywhere. He saw the kids kicking a rock back and forth between them. Galen smiled and went back and dug into a saddlebag and pulled out one of the pieces of leather he had purchased for patching clothing or whatever else it may be needed for.he grabbed some leather strips and then took some of the straw on the floor and proceeded to make a ball. After ten minutes what heI had wouldn't make it to any real soccer games, but it would work for the little tikes.
Galen walked out into the front yard and kicked the ball to them. They stopped and looked at him. Then two big smiles appeared on their faces. He learned their names were Ari and Arni and they were twins. They kicked it back and forth until Leda called out the window to wash up, that dinner was about ready.
They washed up in a large bucket. Galen followed the little ones into the house. They walked into a narrow hallway. In front of him was a staircase that lead upward. On either side were open doorways. The one on the left was a small sitting room. Galen followed the boys through the on the right. It was a large combination dining room and kitchen. He surmised that the dining room was originally intended to be closed off from the kitchen. He smiled at Leda and a young girl of about 12 that He figured to be her daughter.
The young girl blushed and bowed her head while she placed food on the table while everyone remained standing at the table. Steger came in and looked around, the boys opposite each other, Galen followed suit. Steger looked at the food grunted and sat and the rest of us sat also.
He piled food unto his plate which ended up being almost half of what was provided. They passed around the food. "Save some for the stranger," Steger said with a mouth full of food.
Galen took a little bit of what looked like some kind of stew with a few chunks of meat and passed the bowl. Leda took what was left which was not much. The meal was silent except for an occasional grunt from Steger. It was different from what Galen was used to. Even while at the house on earth with all PHG there was always some banter going on between mouths full of food.
The boys finished first, they sat in their chairs and waited. Soon everyone was finished except for Steger. He seemed slowed down and seemed to be purposely taking his time to eat. He seemed to enjoy making everyone wait for him to finish.
"The meal was very good Ma'am."
"Thank you, sir Galen."
Stieger grunted at Galen's comment. When he did finish, he pushed his plate away. "That tasted like slop. You ever tasted anything that bad before, stranger?"
"It was a delicious dinner comparable to many meals my mother made but of course no one cooks as well as your mothers cooking." Galen said not wanting to agree with his assessment but not wanting to argue the point as this man seemed to want.
With a grunt of disapproval of Galen's remark, he nods to the women who quickly cleared the table. The boys asked all kinds of questions and soon it was well known He was an RPHG. Steger eyed me, not hiding his contempt. He pushed his chair back so abruptly all sound and movement stopped.
He grunted and left the table and stopped at the doorway. "The loft is comfortable, and the roof don't leak much. I don't want a false god loyalist sleeping under my roof." He called back without turning. Galen heard the outside door open and close.
Leda came and got my empty plate. "I apologize Galen. I am not making excuses for him, but he has his reasons."
"It's alright ma'am, no explanations needed." Galen smiled at her though decided to sleep lightly as he walked out to the barn with the twins following him.
While he brushed Thunder the boys talked as if breathing wasn't needed. Galen barely had time to answer a question before another was asked. Through all that, he learned the young girl was Steger's sister, Eira, and Steger was the eighth generation to own the farm. Much had been sold off over the past hundred years. It was now 20 acres. It was a gift from Okeanos to a stable boy for saving his horses in a fire.
"All right you two. You have some lessons to do." Leda said as she poked her head into the barn
"Momma, you know how Father feels about us knowing too much."
"Father is at his meeting until late." She said frowning.
"Yes, ma'am," they said in unison."
"Come out and sit on the porch with Eira and me while the terrors do their lessons." Leda offered.
The ladies sat in chairs while Galen sat on the rail and leaned against a post. It was a quiet night. You could hear insects buzzing and then you'd hear a wolf howl and then another answered. The air was fresh and pollution-free. It was peaceful.
"When Steger and I courted we did it in secret. Not because I was ashamed of him but because my parents didn't think he was of the right sort to be courting me." Leda said, breaking the silence.
"Leda's Father was on the Territory council." informed Eira. Galen nodded that he understood. They were voted in by the people approved by the territory leader, the title varied in each territory. This was a post held for life, unless removed by the crown.
"I married him without my father's permission. He demanded I have the marriage annulled. I refused. He disowned me." She sighed.
"We did well on the farm. It was 60 acres back then. The Royal Council passed a law that required a unified price to be on all foods. Price was to be set by demand each year. This affected the smaller farms more than the big ones and we could no longer break-even, let alone make a profit. Steger started to sell off bits of the farm." Galen heard her voice get a bit emotional.
"Steger blames his majesty and the councils for all his troubles." she said, so softly he barely heard her.
"The truth is Steger is a terrible farmer." Eira retorted.
Galen didn't know what to say so he just nodded.
"Who takes care of the old woman down the road?" I asked to change the subject.
"Old woman?" asked Leda
"The woman down the road in the cottage that looks as if it's about to fall down"
The two women looked at each other. "What did she look like?" asked Eira.
Galen described the woman's approximate age, height, hair color, the old tattered dress she was wearing, and even how she said she'd curse him. "I told you the rumors were true about the widow Signy haunting that old cottage." Eira said to Leda, sticking out her tongue at her. The two women giggled.
They told me the story of how the widow had lost her husband in the war of the dispute and how she waited for a son who also was in the war to come home. For years she waited until one day a rider appeared and told her he had served with her son and how he was beheaded because he deserted in battle. He was caught trying to book passage on the ferry to cross over to the territory Capital. He was sentenced to death by beheading by the governor. After thanking and feeding the rider she fastened a rope to the highest point in the roof. Before the rider could stop her, she said she'd see her husband and her son in the afterworld and cursed the rider and all men and hung herself. Rumor has it she appears when a rider stops in front of her cottage. Several years later it comes known that the son was never killed he was badly wounded.
Galen shivered at the sad story. After a few minutes, Galen excused himself stating he had to be on his way at dawn and went to the barn. Thunder heard the door open and looked out over the stall fencing at him, he nodded his head. "Well, my friend looks like I am spending the night out here with you. Keep your ears open big fella, I don't trust that Stieger guy one bit.": Thunder nodded and stumped once his agreement after today Galen wouldn't have been surprised if he was doing just that, too.
He gathered up his bedroll and peeked into the stall. Tabby was nuzzling up at Thunder who seemed to be enjoying the attention and unaware of Galen spying. "Got a girlfriend for the night huh big boy." His head turned to look at him. Galen swore he just gave him the evil eye.
Galen giggled as he made his bed in the stall. And laid down on his back with his arms behind my head. Well, Galen your first night out on your own. Well, there is Thunder, but then he is occupied for the moment he thought. He giggled a bit and rolled over and looked over at the horses "Good night you love birds." He called. Thunder gave a stump of his hoof. Galen rolled over and laughed heartily. I knew it! That horse understands me.
This story as with all the stories are here free for you to read but it costs money to operate this site.
PLEASE DONATE TO NIFTY AT http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html